Fishing Lake Havasu

By Rick Seaman

Popular Fish Species Lake Havasu, AZ

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Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Lake Havasu continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population, primarily in the main lake but also in the Colorado River which flows through the lake. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

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Striped Bass Fishing

Due to their large size and numbers, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Lake Havasu. They are plentiful, run in large schools and can grow to bragging size. The state record is over 67 pounds and was caught from the Colorado River. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

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Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Havasu is considered one of the top bass fishing lakes in the region, as it has been for several years now. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 4 to 5-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by Arizona and California has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Anglers can catch also smallmouth bass which are becoming the most popular species of black bass here. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. On Lake Havasu, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

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Lake Havasu Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill, redear sunfish and striped bass at Lake Havasu in Arizona.

Located on the Colorado River along the Arizona-California border, Lake Havasu is a 20,000-acre impoundment. Lake Havasu City is home to the world-famous London Bridge which attracts vacationers and tourists from all over the world.

Lake Havasu Fishing

Bass Fishing At Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu is a paradise for smallmouth bass fishing enthusiasts, offering an exhilarating angling experience. The lake is known for its thriving population of smallmouth bass, attracting anglers from all over the country. Smallmouth bass in Lake Havasu are highly prized for their aggressive strikes, acrobatic fights, and impressive size. Casting crankbaits, working jigs, or using finesse techniques with soft plastics all catch smallies here.

Striped Bass Fishing

Fishing for striped bass in Lake Havasu attracts anglers with the promise of hooking into powerful and sizeable fish. Striped bass, known for their voracious appetites and strong fighting abilities, inhabit the deeper channels and open water areas of the lake. Trolling with swimbaits, crankbaits or spoons, or casting topwater lures can catch these schooling spripers.

Sunfish Fishing

Panfish enthusiasts can target bluegill and redear sunfish near the lake's shoreline and submerged vegetation. These colorful and spirited sunfish provide a more relaxed angling experience, perfect for families or those looking to enjoy a peaceful day by the water. Using simple techniques like worms, small jigs, or crickets can lead to a rewarding day of reeling in these panfish.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Havasu

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Lake Havasu

Smallmouth bass were introduced into Lake Havasu and they are flourishing. Small crankbaits, jerkbaits, worms and jigs will catch smallmouth here. The water is quite clear, so light line and long casts may be needed to sneak up on these savvy bass. When the bite is slow, look for smallies in the deeper water - often 35 to 50 feet deep.

Lake Havasu Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

London Bridge Watercraft Rentals
Rentals: Pleasure, pontoon and fishing boats
928 453-8883

Wet Monkey Powersports
Rentals: Offering Bass boats, fishing boats and pontoons
928 855-2022

Whett Rods Boat Rental
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks for rent
928 412-9248

Marinas

Lake Havasu Marina
1100 McCulloch Blvd N
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
928 855-2159

Stonebridge Pier Marina
501 English village Suite 423
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
928 412-5287

Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Havasu Springs Resort
2581 AZ-95
Parker, AZ 85344
Paved launch ramp and parking at the southern tip of the lake.
928 667-3361

Lake Havasu Marina Fuel Dock & Launch
Paved boat launch ramp and parking at the south end of the London Bridge Channel, on the island.

Lake Havasu State Park
699 London Bridge Rd
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Multiple paved ramps with plenty of parking, two miles north of London Bridge on the east side of the lake.
877 697-2757

Site Six Launch Ramp
Beachcomber Blvd
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Paved ramp and parking, located at the southwest tip of the Island.
928 453-8686

Fishing Guides On Lake Havasu

Go Lake Havasu Fishing Guides - bass, crappie, stripers, catfish

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Arizona Fishing License.

Click here for a California Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Lake Havasu State Park Campground - 928 855-2784

Crazy Horse Campground - 928 855-4033

Sam's Beachcomber RV Resort - 928 453-1550

Campbell Cove RV Resort - 928 854-7200

D-J's RV Park - 928 764-3964

Havasu Falls RV Resort - 877 843-3255

Havasu RV Resort - 928 764-2066

Prospectors RV Resort & Spa - 928 764-2000

Lake Havasu AZ Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu State Park
699 London Bridge Rd
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
928 855-2784

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Rick Seaman is a bass fishing enthusiast with over five decades of bass fishing experience, a retired bass tournament fisherman and co-author of the book "Bass Fishing. It's not WHAT you throw, It's WHERE you throw it" .

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Fishing lakes in each state.

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